In the past week the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force has seized several weapons and cannabis plants in three locations in Saline County.

Saline County Sheriff Keith Brown said two of those were indoor cannabis growing operations in Carrier Mills and another was in the county. Officers seized a total of 161 cannabis plants and seven firearms, about 1 pound of processed cannabis and miscellaneous growing lights and equipment.

The estimated street value of the seizures is in excess of $367,000, according to the Sheriff.

Brown said the Task Force is not releasing the names of suspects, addresses or charges as the investigation is ongoing.

The Southern Illinois Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from Saline, White, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Offices, Carmi and McLeansboro Police Departments and the Illinois State Police.

Brown said at this time of year cannabis growing — like farmers with tomatoes — are starting their growing indoors and often transport them outside for the growing season when warmer weather arrives.

Brown said the Task Force officers received information on the growing operations and acted on it.

“Information came to us and we were able to make some cases. When people see things or hear things they can let us know,” Brown said.

Pictured is Saline County Sheriff Keith Brown inspecting some of the cannabis plants seized on March 7 in Carrier Mills.